There's something about a limerick.
I don't know what it is. That tradition of being slightly (or very) naughty? The sing-song rhyme that we all know so well? It's like a very grown-up children's song.
It is a very strange thing, but I think in rhymes. A lot of poets (I think) think in images, but I think in sounds and rhythms. I will have nearly fully formed limericks pop into my head at random --no, really. I have also been known to begin written communications with the line, "There once was a man from Nantucket ...," but I digress (rapidly).
In case you are not familiar, or are not a native English speaker, or are neither familiar with limericks nor are a native English speaker, limericks work like this:
- The rhyme scheme is AABBA, with the A lines ending with words that rhyme with each other and the B lines ending with words that rhyme with each other.
- The rhythm of the A lines is generally baDUMbadaDUMbadaDUMdum, and the rhythm of the B lines is generally baDUMbadaDUM. There is a fancy way of saying that for poets, but limericks aren't exactly fancy, so I'll keep my explanation simple.
- The theme is usually racy or silly (or both --bonus points for both!).
- Nonsensical words are allowed and even encouraged. If it doesn't quite rhyme, you are allowed to change words so it does. Same goes for grammar --make errors, it's okay.
This morning, I woke up with a limerick in my head, which I will now share with you as an example; then, I would challenge you to run off and try your own as it's a fun way to practice mental gymnastics.
Example limerick:
I find I'm in need of a coffee
Don't need one that's fancy or toffy
Just fill up my mug
(It's my kind of drug!)
Or I'll spend the day like old dead Gaddafi
Why not give it a try? Can't be worse than that one!